An accident can occur when you least expect it, even when you are simply walking down the street. If you slipped and fell on a sidewalk due to an unsafe condition that should have never been there in the first place, then you should file a premises liability claim to earn the financial compensation that you require to heal. Continue reading to learn how an experienced Toronto sidewalk accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group will work on your behalf to make the negligent party pay.
What are the common dangerous sidewalk conditions?
Your sidewalk accident may have occurred because you were not paying attention and you tripped over yourself. However, it more than likely occurred because of dangerous sidewalk conditions.
The most common causes of sidewalk accidents include slipping and falling due to weather-related hazards, such as snow and ice left uncleared. Other times, it is due to tripping over debris left uncleared or otherwise over items that should not be there.
Who is the responsible party for dangerous sidewalk conditions?
Property owners are legally responsible to maintain safe sidewalks. If they fail to do so and someone is seriously hurt as a result, they should be held responsible.
What steps should I take after a sidewalk accident?
If you were involved in a sidewalk accident that led you to sustain serious injuries, you cannot stand idly by and hope that your injuries heal on their own. This is because medical bills may pile up, you may miss more and more time at work, and overall your life will become drastically affected with no resolution.
So, to build a strong premises liability claim that will grant you the financial compensation that you require to heal, you must satisfy the burden of proof. That is, you must collect enough evidence to prove that the property owner either knew or should have known about the unsafe sidewalk conditions and did nothing to fix it, which resulted in your injuries. To do so, take the following steps immediately after your accident:
- Call 911: the police will dispatch an ambulance and file an official accident report, a document which you should collect.
- Capture the scene: take photos and videos of your injuries, damages, and unsafe sidewalk conditions.
- Collect witness contact information: this includes their name and number. You should reach out to them later on to provide witness testimony.
- Seek medical treatment: do so at the scene of the accident and afterward, as some injuries take a few days to set in. You should collect this medical documentation and bills.
- Contact our firm: reach out to a skilled Toronto slip and fall lawyer before the statute of limitations, which is typically two years from the date of your accident.
Contact Our Experienced Toronto Personal Injury Firm
If you have been injured in an accident due to no fault of your own, contact a Toronto Personal Injury Lawyer at Merricks Law Group today.